Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Ok so I wanted to start a topic, about my trip to thailand and my surgery with Dr. Chattawut, and I figured it didnt seem to fit in with making a blog so , here is where I am starting it.
This is my intention, I'm not trying to bash or say bad things etc etc etc, I'm just going to coriograph (sp?) my trip the before,during and after so other can gett a somewhat idea what to posibly expect.
I am doing this as an outlet partially because of my excitement,nervousness, and just plain anxiety.
Something I would like to make clear also.. While I wont voice my complete opinion or srs and transgendered things I will say this because of a certain post that was made a bit back that I feel should really be addresed.
SRS is not to be taken lightly, there are rules to being alowed to recieve it, and while the most persistant person can find ways to cheat and work around these rules in order to recieve SRS it most be know THIS IS NOT A REVERSABLE SURGERY so you best make sure this is a must for you before you decide you are ready to take too trip that I am taking. You are ultimately in control of your body and what you decide to do just be sure you are making the right choice, as if you have post surgery regret there is only one person to blame.
I have came to the decision that I would rather be dead than to continue on as I am, I have succesfully transitioned but I feel not complete so this decision is one of self preservation, if I couldnt make it happen than I wont go into the specifics but like I said a few lines back I would rather be dead than stay this way.
and now that I have got that out of my system on with the show, and feel free to ask questions and I will do my best to answer as I can  ;)

Today I am at T-10 days till lift off, I am to fly out on the 24th for my oh so-fun 29hour flight :P I am getting more and more anxious as D-day gets closer, and I am sure I will make it throuugh it but sstill non-the-less I am anxious
Another thing that is fixing to happen is tonight will be the night I have to stop taking my preciouse hormone med's :icon_ashamed: and a couple other meds that are related to pain control, so I no-doubt have the feeling that I may go-off on some poor pitiful soul,either at work or random do to pain and lack of hormones which will be playing games with my emotions. While I have thought about forgoing the instructions as to not taking them I have  decided to follow the instructions to the T as I want everything to go as possibly well as I hope fore,
so bear with me friends for I do believe the next 10-14 days are gonna be a doozy!!!
thats it for this eve more to come tomorow!! :o

Good luck calico, we will be thinking of you and anxiously awaiting good news from you!

BEST OF LUCK GIRL!!!!! Dr. Chett is amazing and is gonna take great care of you. Your in great hands with him from what all others have told me. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the journey.

Good luck

Today T minus 9 days to lift off and counting, thanks everyone for the pleasent response's today the anticipation builds as does the the stress, today was definately not a good day, work was brutal, if it was allowed I realy could use to give someone a good smacking around. :icon_boxing:, but I'm not so tomorow will hopefully be better. Tonight, is the first nite of me off my pills soo I'm a lil nervous about this :icon_neutral: but its a prereq so, I guess I will manage.
Today I also took care of certain bill, and medications making sure I had enough for my trip, and setting up certain account to allow me to jump one payment,till I return. taking care of the little stuff per-se
one thing of minor anoyance is a recent issue I had thought was corrected, and that is my letter for recomendation for srs, I had a letter from 2002-2003 but it wasnt adequate since it wasnt from a licensed psychologist, well I had an apoint spent my 140 dollars and got a letter from a Phd and sent it to the good dr, which I am actually dealing with SOM the business manager, as she is wanting to schedule me with their psychologist for 9600 bht which I am slightly confused as to why this is now needed since I have the aproriate credentials, I have sent an email back explaining this and have offered to re-email a copy of the letter, hopefully this will be ressolved, as having to deal with this one more time is very frustrating as I dont think it is needed, hopefully its just minor confusion and all will be resolved. I do not look forward to haveing to come up with an additional 9600 (324USD) for another letter that I basically do not need at this point. >:( grrr
Anyway, I feel nausiated today so I do believe I will sign off at this point and untill tomorow good-night and sweet dream!!

you can do it! INTO THE BREACH!

Wishing you the best.  SRS is a wonderful part of the journey. 

Elaina

Quick morning update

Damn the technicalitie's so aparently you need a PhD psychiatrist, not a PhD psycholgist for your letter. I may be screwed and have to just have to pay the fee, would of been nicer to find out earlier. >:( :-\

Quote from: universus on March 15, 2013, 11:52:09 PM
He requires a certificate from a psychiatrist or a licensed psychologist. Ask your psychologist if he has a license number given by the Board of Psychology in your State and the problem is solved!

The second letter was from a licennsed psychologist  ???,so IDK WTF, and I just checked the website and it say what you just said so now I'm relly like WTF, emailling them now. stress now X 11ty billion....... :'(
and I definately think the lack of hormones is mess'ng with me bad

BTW this is what I am emailing them

Quote from: email-toOk now im even more confused, on the website it say licensed psychologist is fine

its say's

"Before scheduling sex reassignment surgery, I need to prove your SRS recommendation letter. Please note that now I accept the letter from only psychiatrist and/or license psychologist with his/her credentials and the contact address/telephone number/e-mail address.You can send the copy by fax or e-mail the attached jpeg.files (size 50-100 KB per each page)"

on this page

http://www.chet-plasticsurgery.com/?page_id=626 (http://www.chet-plasticsurgery.com/?page_id=626)

I dont see the problem at this point I have a letter from 2002-2003 from a LPC, and i understand thats not good, but does work as a 2nd recomendation, than I have a currentt letter from a Phd licensed psycologist.

not to mention I changed my name and have been living as well... me since then ,and my birth certificate is even changed.

So I dont understand, can you please explain more fully?

this is really upsetting me plus the fact I have 50 thing to do (I made a list) with now only  8 days left :(
I guess if I have to I have no choice and will have to anty up to what they want but you can bet if they stilll bother me about this I will raise heck with the dr when I get there because if the only letter that will workis one from a psychiatrist than they need to  correct this

nope it is not I will email her as well. hopefully she  can help  :-\

I just emailed her to please email me her credentials, hopefully after I get that it will be all resolved, I really dont got 300 extra dollars to pay for another letter :-\

No response as of yet , but I have had one thing happen today...... I am sick!!! yay:( I was feeling a lil out of it the last couple days, and had a cough thaat got progrssively worse and well, went to an urgent care today and I have strep throat,a lung infection, and somthing else that started with a p . but I have a z-pack, some prednisone so hopefully i should be better soon, untill then not much of an update this evenin.
so after this days festivitie's and fun we are at T minus 6 daystill lift-off!!
oh and one thing to note aparently the standards of care updated in sept 2011, where 2 letter are needed, so for anyone out there be well of aware of this or be prepared to pay the dr's piper!
nite all!! :-*

That's a little ->-bleeped-<-ed up that they're not honouring your letter: they (seem to have?!!) accepted mine from a psychologist (PhD) just fine. WTF indeed!

Quote from: rachl on March 17, 2013, 10:42:58 AM
That's a little ->-bleeped-<-ed up that they're not honouring your letter: they (seem to have?!!) accepted mine from a psychologist (PhD) just fine. WTF indeed!

interesting :eusa_think:  well hopefully its all good now, kinda frustrating to have last minute things to have to take care of.I think I am going to send another email to them again today.

so far I am really starting to dislike the word psychologist and psychiatrist

T-5 days to lift-off  ;
I got a reply back from Dr, C's  and i guess I am SOL I will have to see their pychiatrist because 2 letters are aparently required now, so for those who are planing on going I would suggest you get the letters in order.
Now while I have 2 letters only one of them is valid,the one from the psychologist as a letter from a LPC is not acceptable.
I wrote back a hap-hazzard joke about getting a discount if I could organise a group session for multiple letters, there hasnt been a response yet :D
meanwhile back at the ---ranch

me being sick is definately cruddy should be over soon, i am now at the stage of geting packed up and ready to go, still need to do a lil more shopping and then I should have everything, I have purchased a voltage converter (very important!!)and it should be here before I leave.

It almost doesnt seem real kinda wild, definately got the anxious butterflies happenin....

till tomorow.....

Quote from: calico on March 18, 2013, 12:39:44 AM
T-5 days to lift-off  ;
I got a reply back from Dr, C's  and i guess I am SOL I will have to see their pychiatrist because 2 letters are aparently required now, so for those who are planing on going I would suggest you get the letters in order.
Now while I have 2 letters only one of them is valid,the one from the psychologist as a letter from a LPC is not acceptable.
I wrote back a hap-hazzard joke about getting a discount if I could organise a group session for multiple letters, there hasnt been a response yet :D
meanwhile back at the ---ranch

me being sick is definately cruddy should be over soon, i am now at the stage of geting packed up and ready to go, still need to do a lil more shopping and then I should have everything, I have purchased a voltage converter (very important!!)and it should be here before I leave.

It almost doesnt seem real kinda wild, definately got the anxious butterflies happenin....

till tomorow.....

Thanks for sharing! What a bummer! I was just about to pay my 350 dollars to a psychologist! Glad I didn't! They should update their website!ugh! So what other letter is it that is required??????? :-\...

Quote from: imperfectlyperfect on March 18, 2013, 11:14:02 AM

Thanks for sharing! What a bummer! I was just about to pay my 350 dollars to a psychologist! Glad I didn't! They should update their website!ugh! So what other letter is it that is required??????? :-\...

here is what was emailed to me

Quote from: Dr. Chettawut"As the new WPATH guidelines, which were published in September of 2011for standard of care, SRS candidates are required referrals from 2 qualified mental health professionals.

Mental health professionals who recommend surgery share the ethical and legal responsibility for that decision with the surgeon.

The referral letter(s) should address directly to Dr.Chettawut and one referral must come from either psychiatrist or licensed psychologist and another referral can be issued from many sources which are psychiatrist or licensed psychologist or sexologist or gender therapist.

All the copies of original SRS recommendation letter with signature need to be approved by Dr.Chettawut in advance (preferred by attached jpeg or pdf file via e-mail) and the original documents must be brought to Thailand and provided Dr.Chettawut on the consultation day."

So yes a licensed PhD Psychologist can write your letter, but you will also need a second letter either from another ddr of the same field, or better, but definately no LPC's but from the way I am reading the reply its still up to the Dr's aproval, but in any of the letters the credentials must be clearly seen.

on another nnote I may have another letter before I leave but its looking grimm, so Iwont hold my breath but I do hope this second Dr. pulls threw for me :-\ either way I am now prepared to pay for his dr if not. and honestly IMO if you are going to pay someone here 350 for a letter you might as well get it there since its the same price, I only want to get the letter here as I have insurance that will cover it and a FSA account to pay for the co-pay, so getting one here mean more money in my pocket saved. for me to be able to pull this trip/surgery I have had to plan very carefully so more money is definately better.

so at the moment T - 4 days till lift off, very very very anxious having trouble with sleep lately so much that i was late to work 45 minutes today :o I have bought the things I needed, and have got one suitcase packed, waiting till saturday to doo the final suitcase. and I am getting my 2 carry-ons sorted, a well.  definately action packed without a doubt.
I was plannin on packing some food but it looks like there wont be spare room guess I will have to get groceries there... hmm

also hormones are starting to really get on my nerves I can definately tell I am not in a good spot, i cant wait for the surgery to come that way I can get back on my mones- as of right now I have a bit of an edgy attitude, I kinda want to run and hide, and avoid the world..  but I can't do that so.. trying to survive :embarrassed:
anywho thats it for the evening, untill next time kids- I am off to bed!!

Quote from: calico on March 19, 2013, 02:50:26 AM
I have bought the things I needed, and have got one suitcase packed, waiting till saturday to doo the final suitcase. and I am getting my 2 carry-ons sorted, a well.  definately action packed without a doubt.
I was plannin on packing some food but it looks like there wont be spare room guess I will have to get groceries there... hmm

Calico, do you plan on having help with those bags? Remember you'll be walking funny and can't lift heavy things for a while.

Quote from: mintra on March 19, 2013, 02:52:36 PM
Calico, do you plan on having help with those bags? Remember you'll be walking funny and can't lift heavy things for a while.

Yes, I will, but it wont matter as it will condense once I get there mostly what the 2nd bag is about is disposable's and such. and the carry on's well I'm carrying my laptop,some minor personal items,a book, and my psp.
I plan to go with 4 total and come back with 2  :laugh:

and we are at T-3 days till liftoff,
so a real quick update- I called my mom and sis, well went through the smear again, my mom was like so your really going to do this and I said yes and unlike the past talked where she just seemed to gnore me she seemed more in on the talking and was no heatedness in our conversation. She wanted to know when I will return so she can get vacation time of to come get me and take me back with her so I can recoup there. ^-^
My sister..... just givess me a headache, she's like you dont have to go through this I know lots of people like you who dont do it. you know this is going to change who you are and blah blah blah ,think yer making a mistake blah blah typical stuff peole who dont understand say.. then she tries reverse psycology and starts saying how I sound like im unsure and that she doesnt really care either way.  ....right ::)   oh well, doesnt make my evening very happy ,I do care what she think's I'm not going to lie but its not for her,its for me and I NEED to do this, she will probally never understand :(
anyway I am off to bed still more stuff for tomorow

T-2 days left!!!!!
and I feel horible, and am gettiing to a point that I am really hating this off hormones crap, omg I cant stand it! but I must endure a little longer, than I can go back to taking .................my preciouuss...ack at one point tonight I picked up the bottle and grasping to it like it was life thought about taking them but I put them away :-\ this being of hormones really is rough.
anyway thats it just had to get it out as I AM REALLY NOT enjoying the lack ther-of my pretty blue pills :'(

Quote from: calico on March 21, 2013, 02:06:42 AM
T-2 days left!!!!!
and I feel horible, and am gettiing to a point that I am really hating this off hormones crap, omg I cant stand it! but I must endure a little longer, than I can go back to taking .................my preciouuss...ack at one point tonight I picked up the bottle and grasping to it like it was life thought about taking them but I put them away :-\ this being of hormones really is rough.
anyway thats it just had to get it out as I AM REALLY NOT enjoying the lack ther-of my pretty blue pills :'(

Sheesh, yes I know its tough. Thanks for updating us. As I'm going to dr chettawut for surgery soon. I can kinda get a clue of what to expect

Don't worry Hun . Your off hormones right now for a good reason. Your going to do great and be happy after this is all over

Ohhh I know I am off for a good reason, still doesnt change the fact that it really mess's with but as soon as I get the surgery completed I am goin back to takiing them beutiful little pills, @ 1/2 dosage of course, dont need to worry about taking so much once the lil trouble makers are gone  ;D I am really excited, I'm almost estatic, if it wasnt for the majot downer because of the lack of pills I think I'd be bouncing off the walls :laugh:
oh but we are just now 1 day away from lift off, I got everything in order and is packed and waiting to be taken to the airport with me.. so now there is just work and a couple minor things not related to going to thailand, and finally a good-bye to friends who have no-clue as to what I am "REALLY" going over there for surgery for :laugh: 8)

Best of luck to you, Calico.  I am sure everything will work out just fine.

The d-day for lift off is here :Dand I'm not far away now, hopefully the flight will go smoothly, getting through airport security was a breeze! So estatic :D I'll let everyone know when I make it!!

I wish you the best!

Made it!!!! the plane ride definately wasnt the greatest butr I made it through ok, now to settle in!! and get about 4 hours more sleep before I go to see the dr in the morning

Good luck Calico best of every thing say Hello to the Great Doc for me. Lots of luck.

Babz XXXXXXX

Good luck! I'll be thinking of you :)

Visited the dr. today and discussed my expectations, and what to look forward to. Started the special pre-op diet which is clear soup's. everything went faily smoothly I would say the dr is very nice.
i was dropped off at the famous seacon malland proceeded to get lost for 5 hours  :( and didnt find much of what I was looking for I did leave with food for after the surgery so I guess that is a plus and I also was able to convert some of my money into baht as this is very nesecary.
A not of info here, dont expect much help in the mall. English is not a common language here- so it will be difficult to comunicate. The good thing is that there are some descriptions under food  items  you may need or want to buy.
also a good rule of thumb when trying to figure out price is this thai baht is roughly 28 to 1 usd that means if some says its 299 bht that means its 10.67 usd a simple math to figure on the go is 299 divided by 28 equals cost in usd$$ for item.

thats it for now I will update again after tomorow!!

Day before surgery - and i am way nervous.. I am also doing the bowel cleaning regiman, and well it realy is the s***s- lol sorry I dont mean to pun nish anybody , lol but sersiously I am definately nervous. I go in at 1pm and will be there for 4 days.
sri came by to make sure I had taken the stuff they gave me and also talk to me about my alergies and than went to checking what I bought to see what was in it, and whatcha know some cookies I had bought had some of the ingredients I couldnt eat, so she gave me a talking to about that. I was quite suprised lol so I gave her the cookies and said thank you.

things to get once you get here at the mall- water its a must have the hotel provides it but it costs!!!! everything consumable in your room will cost you!!! and you dont pay before you get your room!!! water in the mall can be found for 7 baht which is like 35-40cents you can buy this at the tops super in the lower level.

anyway thats it for now.... next report will be from the hospital!!!!!!!!! :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

And as of friday morning (here) I am officially post-op!!!!!!!!!! :laugh: :laugh:  :icon_clap: :laugh:

The surgery lasted 7 and a half hours :o and I do have some pain but I am sure that is because of other health conditions that prevented the anesthesiologist from being able to do the epidural block  :( I lost quite a bit of blood, and that was a major issue as I am anemic, and with a odd blood type.
I ended having to be on oxygen all night as well .. andeded up vomiting also.
Sri (see) stayed in my room by my side all night because of my issues, so while it was a difficult night I did make it through.
The dr said everything was beautiful so I will get to see soon ^-^
I can not express how happy I am even with the pain I am extremly happy :D :D
everyone here is so very nice and careing and I can tell they want nothing more to truly help to improve ones life, I know now that I chose the right dr for me :D I will update more as I can.

Congrats!  YEA!   :D :D

Congratulations! I wish you speedy recovery. Keep us posted on your progress.

I'm so happy for you ;D :-*

Awesome that is great news!  Looking forward to your recovery and reports!

Great for you, go slow, relax, any human body needs lots of time to heal from any surgery.

We're all proud & glad for you that all seems well.

I'm sure the last 10 days have been quite "the event" in your lifetime.

Welltoday makes my second day so I figured I would post an update.
But first thanks to everyone for the warm wish's I truly apreciate it.

Yesterday I had to go back on oxygen for a little bit, my asthma has been acting up real bad since the surgery but I didnt need it last night so I think I am out of the woods on that.  The pain level today on a scale of 1-10 mmmm would probally say a 7 but  remember I did not have an epidural block which I am sure would of made a world of difference (damn pre-existing conditions)
I am still on an IV of dextrose and sodium chloride/saline I believe this is mainly because of the blood loss.

A note to anyone having surgery either here or anywhere for that matter, drink lots of water! there will be a time where you wont be able  to but once you can, drink!!

a tid-bit of info on the good dr's establishment when you first visit come it may seem as its rather small, but nice. I thought it was just a business office, however do not be fooled this is his place of practice and where the surgery will take place. There is alot of the place you do not see, and while this does seem to make one nervous and question you choice at first, do not worry as his practice is top notch.

the anesthesia happens like a flash once you get in the operating theatre , they set up the iv and Dr.veera says ok we are going to put you to sleep now, and as he gets about half way in on the medicine he use's well the one he used for me (as they couldnt use the traditional medicine) and wam I was out everything went fuzzy and next thing I remember is dr veera calling my name!!

in the room you have a tv, and obviously internet access and a private air-con unit with remote. you will wake up with the leg compression thingy's that are there for circulation as you will be in bed for a bit, also you wil have multiple tubes coming out of you one for the urine and the other for blood.

So far my only complaint and anoyance was the second letter that I was not aware of untill it was to late. while I could have went my self to get a letter for much less here in tailand I felt that I did not have sufficient time  to do so.. I landed on monday at 11:55pm in thailand, got to hotel at 12:30, had to be up at 9 am to see the dr. and pay my bill,and have the exam, than had to get back to the hotel to start the colon cleansing regiman. step one on tuesday, than wednesday up again at 9am to see get the 2nd letter, than back to hotel for step 2 of colon cleansing. to be up at 11 to go in for surgery.
If I had one more dy I am sure I could probally of got the letter my self but I didnt so i had to ante up the additional 9600baht for the 2nd recomendation, and here is where the complaint is (wedidnt go to some office to see a psychiatrist, we went to a general hospital, and seen a med dr. in an in and out visit. to me this was not worth 9600baht (330) which I paid to dr chettawut's office and not to the dr I seen for the letter.
either way  its all good in the end. and monday I  will get to see my lil girl  :laugh: :laugh:
I will update more as I come along ;)

Congratulations, you are now "on the other side" and sound like you are doing fine.  It will be a few days before you completely understand what "the other side" means and really has in store, but it will be good and more of what you need than you ever dreamed it could be.  You will remember your pre-op days and dreams, but they will seem like another person was living them. Every day will be a new adventure to you, and every day you will feel better. 

Talked with the dr, and jane a lil bit ago, and told me what the plan is. On monday the wrapping will come off, and on wednesday the packing will be removed and we will see my depth. a couple days later the catheter will be removed. I was also advised there is going to be some pain, and some bleeding as well during the first dialations which is normal.I'm going out on a limb on this one but..... let me seee here.. umm its gonna hurt,there is going to be blood and going to be a lil tight... ::) Sounds like I'm a virgin lol :D :icon_biggrin: :icon_lol:
Well yep definately not gonna have time for site-seeing :( oh well still doesnt change my happiness :laugh:

Glad to hear it's all going well  :D

Great new calico! So happy for you :D

Well tomorow I get to go back to the hotel!  and I cant wait, one thing that has sucked while being at the surgery center is I havent been able to rid my self of facial hair, and needless to say is very agravating and mess's with me.
Also I am very hungry, being on a liquid diet is not the funnest time in the world. Also i can tell a huge difference in my hormone levels. I have had a couple emotional episodes, but nothing to overwhelming. just some crying watching a movie, and the exxpected crying after surgery because of happiness.
Stil pretty sore, but that was expected, overall everthing is great :laugh: I know that most people have said one of the worse things is the catheter but strangely it really hasnt bothered me so much, I imagine it is because I didnt recieve the epidural block.

well untill tomorow,  :laugh:

and thanks again to everyone for the kind wish's and concerns

Well today was the unwrapping, and I got to finally see what the dr has done. I am Verrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrry haappy so far, even with the swelling that is there its looks very nice and natural, wednesday I get to see what my depth is.
So.... yay!!!

a note to those who have surgery- when you awake after surgery you will notice 2-3 tube's coming out of you before you leave the surgery center they will remove the tube(s) that has blood coming out of them. It will hurt like nothing felt before. for me it made me cry  :'( serously ouch.

and again drink ton's of waterr!!!

Stories like this make me excited for the person, as well as myself.  The nightmare is over'ish, rl is coming.

Rita! I am glad you like the story so far as the reason I did this was for others to see what the jouney is like with Dr. Chettawut. Thailand is an amazing country and the people are even more amazing.

The 2nd day out of the hospital theres is a bit more noticible sweling and bruising, which unfortunately does hurt a bit. Also on this day the nurse came to check up on me and has said I can eat normal food at midnight!! :D
Tomorow is the day the packing comes out and I see my depth. I will let everyone know how it goes.

Something I have noticed about my good dr. Chettawut is the medications that he give's for after the surgery. Concerning how major of surgery this is I would of assumed to be given something more powerful, he gives paracetamol which is basically just tylenol. If it wasnt for me having something a whole lot stronger I imagine this might be a bit worse, but then again I didnt recieve the epidural which everyone else usually gets. so just an observation.

Yea no-one came with me :( I wish someone could have but.. it didnt stop me,for me it was a do or die kinda thing it had to happen.
I have met a few other girls here so that has been helpful.

Thanks :laugh: ya know there is one thing I am trying to figure out, and that is returning to hormones my doc said after i get back to us, but i have been for 3 weeks at this point and I am sure I dont have to explain why I want to forgo his request and start taking again.. but what could happen ???

Oh and if anybody reading this thread/topic would like to ask any question I may of not asked or have covered please feel free to do so.. and I will answer the best I can.

Getting some of your "plumbing" (drains and catheter) removed IS a BIG DEAL, and while ouchy to some degree, it is a another sign that you have really done something and are progressing well.  It is one of those things though where you do have something each day to count as a milestone that there was no way of understanding before it really began happening!!  Keep going GIRL!!  The first DIY dilation is gonna be a real dilly!! Talk about lost and uncertain.  By the time you hit 200 of them though, it will be SOOOOOOOO MUCH better.

Thank you albina I will ask sri tomorow when she comes to visit me about it, I thinkits really starting to get to my head (being without hormones) at this point.
Feeling a lil ill tonight as well.. :icon_ashamed:

HI Calico, I am glad everything went well & yes most of the pain will be not having an Epidural, You can Use Cocodamol 30/500 & Also tramadol together If your medical conditions allow. Regarding Hormones ask Sri First but I was told to go back on them fairly soon after Surgery. Do Every thing you are told to do. & do not deviate, I am sad that you are on your own but it will be time to go home very Quickly so make the most of it.

Say Hi To Sri for me.

Best Regards

Barbara Roberts  ( Babz )

Thank you for keeping us update. You seem to be in good spirit and looks like you're doing better than when I was at that point. I was by myself also but the nurses at Yanhee took care of me well so it's fine. I wish you the best of luck comes packing removal and catheter.

Hy Babz I will say hello when I seeher in a bit, I am currently on neurotin and norco 10/325 so I am fairly good to go even though I still have some varying amounts of pain.
Today I feel a bit out of it,maybe a lil bit ill prob just going to stay in bed today..  :(

mintra, fropm your post I asume your surgery was done in a hospital? ine was done at dr chettawut's office/center so I the only nurse's are sri,jane,jul, and tair, but I am only getting visits from sri and jane at the hotel.

Just had the visit from sri and jane, and I think my emotions are definately not in the best of conditions :-\
They undid the packing today and it definatelyfeels much better with it out but when it came to dialation I had a bit of a problem, I couldn't even use a size 1,which is the lowest they provided me. :( so sri pulled out basicly a canle and used that. I have 5-5 1/2 inchs depth. At this point I started crying a bit still am a little teary eyed. Sri said its ok it wont be an issue, and that it was because I was swollen, and we had to start at 0 for now and than we can go to the size 1 and that we didnt want to tear the wound. She realy is kind and definately does her best to make me feel better.

However I still feel a lil depressed about thhis :'( and i am sure the combo of me not feeling good,radical hormonal changes and the pain are are making it seem so much worse. I am going to ask a couple girls that are here about starting off at 0 and not 1
I am happy with the depth as I think it is sufficient, but just concerned now about how tight it is.

I did ask about the hormones and they really dont want me to start untill I get back to the states, but they did say if I start having issues (fever/radical emotions) than it would be ok.

I hope it works out :icon_cry: :icon_ashamed:

Calico, don't be depressed. You have a really good depth!! You'll gain your width over time, of course with strict dilation routine. Just follow the doctor and nurses advice. It's going to be fine. 5 1/2" is more than adequate. Have a good rest and relax. I wish you the best.

Quote from: mintra on April 03, 2013, 01:54:11 AM
Calico, don't be depressed. You have a really good depth!! You'll gain your width over time, of course with strict dilation routine. Just follow the doctor and nurses advice. It's going to be fine. 5 1/2" is more than adequate. Have a good rest and relax. I wish you the best.

I hope so, I guess this really does mean I am going to have to be off work a lil longer, I had some minor hope that I would be able to return when I got back but that doesnt seem possible with this situation right now.

On another note I am very sensitive ancluding the inside as well kinda suprised me.
Something else that i read about but am not experiencing, and wondering if I am weird, if the whole phantom limb thing, even a girl that is here who is a bit older said it feel like they are touching something thats not there, but with me everywhere they touch and feel I know exactly where it is, and it all feels so very much natural having the previous felt all out of wack, am i weird or.... ???

anyway hopefully tomorows regiman goes ok :-\

It does not matter who your doctor or nursing staff are, your emotions at your point is this are pretty widespread among new posties.  There are as many theories as there are patients as to why it happens.  In other words you have a bunch of sistah's. We should be so danged happy, but all we can do is cry.  Go ahead and do the crying, its darn near better than pain reliever!! 

Thanks everyone for the replies, I think the best medicine for me would of been having someone here with me, however that isnt the case... I am trying to keep my head straight and keep telling myself hang in there! all it takes is time. but my hormones being up and down (i think) are really messin with that train of thought.
I did meet a couple from australia today and they were able to answer a couple questions and made my worries a lil less.

Thank you to everyone for the continued support, I really do apreciate it.

Today went a lil better... or maybe a lot better ;) i wrote down some questions to ask, and asked them. I dialted today but with the makeshift "0"  :P for 15 minutes, and sri took the catheter out ,which was a pain and ended up making me bleed a lil bit. And she said i could go ahead and shower so... Yay for that it definately will make me feel better thats for sure  :), so we shall see about peeing now in a bit..

something I have noticed is I have not bled a lot ??? I have heard of almost everyone bleeding, now I am not complaining just was suprised..

Also i dont know how to describe this maybe its just something minorly strange but shortkly after the surgery I noticed this, before when I looked in a mirror all I seen was a what seemed like a stick or straight figure perhaps androgynous(even though I wasnt very androgynous) and well now I see all my curces and my figure seems to appear very much diferent to me.... I dont know if thats strange or not but seeing my self now actually makes me smile and helps.... :)
well off to the shower maybe I can leave the room today.. :D

A word of advice ,just because uou are feeling much better and you can get around your room fairly well after surgery,does not mean you should go out and about even if youlimit yourself to the hotel ::)

Learned that today its basically the 7th day after surgery 4 day out of the center, and I had just got my shower and felt decent so I felt like mmm going outand saying hello to theother girls I have met here, and eventually down to the cafe while I waited for my room to be cleaned, well I ate and had finished some tea and was chatting with one of the girls than decided it was time to make it back to my room... a couple steps and very dizzy ... had to get a wheel chair to go back to my room so... lolwont be doing that again for a minute thats for sure :'(

so remember even if you feel up to it-- hold off and wait, its a major surgery and if you should fall from being dizzy yaa could tear your stitchs, and be in a real serious situation.

That has got to be the best journal of events I have read so far, its a real roller coaster from beginning to end.

I am glad everyone is enjoying reading this, as it was my intention to give those looking at going to Dr. Chettawut and idea of what to expect, and to hopefully give some advice on what to and not to do  ;) Of course I supose my journey could possibly used as a slightly worse case scenario.  :-\
However a slight update i forgot to mention, was during earlier's dialation the initial 5.5 inchs turned out to be incorrect, I am actually 6  ;D and also for those who are considering Dr. Chettawut he also give a lifetime guaranty on his work, should you ever want revision he will do this at 0 cost, of course you would have to get there. :icon_wink:

again thank you everyone for the support and continued reading and I believe I mentioned it before but I will mention again, feel free to ask any question you may have  :)

Hi Calico,

I am sorry that I am noticing your post kind of late, but I am Dr Chettawut girl and super happy with the surgery. 6" is a good depth and sensations and cosmetic outcome are persistent with Dr. Chettawut so I don't have to ask about it. I am sorry for the pain you went through. In my case the SRS was a painless precess. I guess it is the epidural thing. Dr Chettawut offers lifetime free corrections but as you can see in his center nobody comes back for corrections which means that most of his patients are happy with the initial results. It will take time to achieve a state of complete healing (about 3 months) but please follow the doctor's instructions as he is very honest and indeed one of the best doctors I have come across.
I really wish you smooth recovery and welcome to the new world where you can be complete.

Anna

Hey Calico!

Your story was inspiring and making me want to dive in to the next phase.

I do have a question though... what were the costs if you dont mind me asking?

just an update for today, and an answer for a question.

Today is the day I go to dialating 3x times a day for 30 min each. and alot of swelling has gone done and things are starting to look better as I go
I am staying mostly to my room, and going to try and stay that way till next week in which I hope that I can get out and do a lil sight-seeing/picture taking. and hope one of the girls that I have met will join me if they are able.
At this point i am having little electric-like zaps, and/ot a itchyness, which i believe is just the healing and nerves reconnecting.
Another note for those considering SRS, is this after you are unwwrapped it will look somewhat decennt, but the next 2 days afterward it will look really bad and make you feel concerned, but while it looks horrible and does cause some uncertanty reaslise it will get better swelling will subside and you will be ok.. so dont panic.
I can see at this point my anatomy that everything is in the correct order. For scars I am going to get some cream to help, this is majorly toward the legs.

Yesterday I was told to go back on my hormones, because of having several issues... not this is not the norm and they definatelly dont want you to go back on hormones till you get back to your home. primarily because of dvt possiblities and clotting beeing more possible if you end up sitting for a long period (airplane) and also high altitudes. So just because i am getting hormones doesnt mean you will. It was just determined because of my dizzy episode and other factors I should go back on them.

Erin total cost is about this;

Surgery - close to 12k
Airplane - 1500 if ticket purchased 2 months in advance.
hotel stay,including breakfast-1000 (not including meals)
other stuff- food,site seeing, etc (variable)

I would recommend  to set aside 15k total for this, and this doesnt include your bill back home/etc

I am guesstimating by the time I am home I will be at 17k

Also you should figure what bare your bills are for 2 months, so you could also have that as you WONT be going back to work for at least 6 weeks

Quote from: calico on April 06, 2013, 03:49:49 AM
just an update for today, and an answer for a question.

Today is the day I go to dialating 3x times a day for 30 min each. and alot of swelling has gone done and things are starting to look better as I go
I am staying mostly to my room, and going to try and stay that way till next week in which I hope that I can get out and do a lil sight-seeing/picture taking. and hope one of the girls that I have met will join me if they are able.
At this point i am having little electric-like zaps, and/ot a itchyness, which i believe is just the healing and nerves reconnecting.
Another note for those considering SRS, is this after you are unwwrapped it will look somewhat decennt, but the next 2 days afterward it will look really bad and make you feel concerned, but while it looks horrible and does cause some uncertanty reaslise it will get better swelling will subside and you will be ok.. so dont panic.
I can see at this point my anatomy that everything is in the correct order. For scars I am going to get some cream to help, this is majorly toward the legs.

Yesterday I was told to go back on my hormones, because of having several issues... not this is not the norm and they definatelly dont want you to go back on hormones till you get back to your home. primarily because of dvt possiblities and clotting beeing more possible if you end up sitting for a long period (airplane) and also high altitudes. So just because i am getting hormones doesnt mean you will. It was just determined because of my dizzy episode and other factors I should go back on them.

Erin total cost is about this;

Surgery - close to 12k
Airplane - 1500 if ticket purchased 2 months in advance.
hotel stay,including breakfast-1000 (not including meals)
other stuff- food,site seeing, etc (variable)

I would recommend  to set aside 15k total for this, and this doesnt include your bill back home/etc

I am guesstimating by the time I am home I will be at 17k

Also you should figure what bare your bills are for 2 months, so you could also have that as you WONT be going back to work for at least 6 weeks

What about working from home? Is that a reasonable proposition - say, with a laptop and a huge backpillow so one can work while lying down?

Quote from: ZoeM on April 06, 2013, 05:28:49 PM
What about working from home? Is that a reasonable proposition - say, with a laptop and a huge backpillow so one can work while lying down?

I dont see why not, the main reason for time off is a lot of your time will be devoted to you new parts, and of course continued recovery.
you really wont be bed-bound so its very feesable to work from home.
and there will be sometimes you just need to rest ;)

I'm very curious as to how you are feeling with it aesthetically... at least once it's done healing. Is it outwardly identical to a GG?

Quote from: tomthom on April 07, 2013, 04:06:58 AM
I'm very curious as to how you are feeling with it aesthetically... at least once it's done healing. Is it outwardly identical to a GG?

Everything is where it should be compared to a GG, if swelling wasnt there and stitch's, I believe it would be dificult tp distinguish a gg and mine apart from each other, unless there waas a detailed exam, I will ofcourse keep commenting about its aesthitic down the line as I heal more and there is less swelling..
As of right now I am very pleased overall. :)

Quote from: calico on April 07, 2013, 04:30:23 AM
Everything is where it should be compared to a GG, if swelling wasnt there and stitch's, I believe it would be dificult tp distinguish a gg and mine apart from each other, unless there waas a detailed exam, I will ofcourse keep commenting about its aesthitic down the line as I heal more and there is less swelling..
As of right now I am very pleased overall. :)

It is too early at this stage to comment the cosmetic outcome. There is a lot of swelling at this moment and it will take several months before you can see the final result. Expect the things to improve every day. And for the scars don't worry much, because they will go away. Do you have any flap necrosis, or is Dr. Chettawut the best reconstructive surgeon who always makes the flaps so perfect and nobody gets wound tear or necrosis?

Quote from: swan on April 07, 2013, 12:00:36 PM

. Do you have any flap necrosis, or is Dr. Chettawut the best reconstructive surgeon who always makes the flaps so perfect and nobody gets wound tear or necrosis?

I have not had any necrosis as of this moment.  The Dr. is very good at what he does yes, I look forward to seeing how I heal, and will comment further than, about the aesthetic's  ;)

Calico congratulations on crossing this HUGE milestone you definitely deserve it, I am so happy that you are sharing all of this with us it really does help those of us who are trying to decide which surgeon to go with!


I am zeroing in on Dr. Chett and I am kinda certain that he will be my choice when the time comes (I really am impressed with the photos I have seen), there does not seem to be very many people on this site who have been to him and very little info on the web about his results (beyond aesthetics). 


Do you know if Dr. Chett's patients report being able to eventually "self-lubricate"?

I only ask you because he does not discuss this on his site and since his method (non-penile inversion) is different from Dr. Brassard's and other western surgeons I would love to know.

Quote from: Jesslee on April 08, 2013, 02:18:52 AM
there does not seem to be very many people on this site who have been to him and very little info on the web about his results (beyond aesthetics). 

Do you know if Dr. Chett's patients report being able to eventually "self-lubricate"?

I only ask you because he does not discuss this on his site and since his method (non-penile inversion) is different from Dr. Brassard's and other western surgeons I would love to know.

There are  actualy several here on the site that have went to him for surgery actually, there are 2 other girls from here currently for their surgery right now, just not everyone speaks up ;)

I cant really say at this point if I will self lubricate, but I asume I will, but I dont believe it will be sufficent for intercourse. Being self lubricating really depends on a person, the only way one coul guaranty they would be self lubricating is to do sigmoid colon vagiaplasty, but there are downfalls to this procedure, and shouldnt be a first choice.

Yep, my date is tomorrow ^_^

That's one worry I have. I wouldn't know what a GG looked like even if it hit me in the face. I've seen a few diagrams, pictures on srs websites and a few porn pictures. A surgeon could convince me that any botched creation of theirs was acceptable.

Thing about SRS, what may look botched may actually be normal.  Vaginas come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and not all look perfect.

Hello, Calico,

First, congratulations on your surgery!

Second, I know this probably looks a little weird coming as my first post, but your experience with Dr. Chettawut is actually why I registered on the site (though I've been reading the forums for years for all the helpful advice).  I was curious about your anesthesia experience. I, too, may be at risk for a complication with the standard anesthesia, but I have been unable to get Dr. Chettawut and his staff to respond to my questions about using alternatives (such as total iv anesthesia) despite the fact that I am scheduled for surgery with him next month. Would you mind sharing with me a little more about your experience? I am happy to give you more information if you would like, and I am also happy to chat off forum or e-mail. But, please, any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

*Edit May 6, 2013: I just wanted to add that Dr. Chettawut did contact me and get the situation resolved, the response was delayed due to an extensive multi-doctor consultation. Hopefully this will allay any bad feelings my post might have caused.

Quote from: SurgeryCurious on April 08, 2013, 12:08:23 PM
Hello, Calico,

First, congratulations on your surgery!

Second, I know this probably looks a little weird coming as my first post, but your experience with Dr. Chettawut is actually why I registered on the site (though I've been reading the forums for years for all the helpful advice).  I was curious about your anesthesia experience. I, too, may be at risk for a complication with the standard anesthesia, but I have been unable to get Dr. Chettawut and his staff to respond to my questions about using alternatives (such as total iv anesthesia) despite the fact that I am scheduled for surgery with him next month. Would you mind sharing with me a little more about your experience? I am happy to give you more information if you would like, and I am also happy to chat off forum or e-mail. But, please, any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

I havent an issue one answering questions and I am glad if I can help someone. :) Dr. Chettawut does not do the anesthesia himself, that is Dr. Veera, I would not worry so much as the aspect of how they do there anesthesia more than likely(I asume)you wont be able to get a specific answer by email.
Email's are handled by Som and she forwards info to the DR team to review and make the best plan. If you have medical issues (like I did) you need to get copies of all reports from your Dr's and treatment locations. and you need to make suure they are aware of alergies and what they do to you. The day of my Surgery I talked with Dr. Veera about my medical conditions, and no BS it was like right before surgery. He wanted to know what happens if I eat this or that, and about medications ,etc being very thorough. After which he tells you his plan.. Mine was simple. I wasnt getting the epidural because of posible complication, and the anesthesia well they started an iv for me and preped for quick intubation, and 2 seconds or less after he started injecting I was out.
Recovery can be very hard for some if there are  heath conditions as well as for me I had oxygen for 2 days, and the iv for 3.5 but everyone will vary. If you wish to go into something specific that you dont want to talk about here feel free to pm me.

Quote from: Tesla on April 08, 2013, 07:43:14 AM
That's one worry I have. I wouldn't know what a GG looked like even if it hit me in the face. I've seen a few diagrams, pictures on srs websites and a few porn pictures. A surgeon could convince me that any botched creation of theirs was acceptable.

Rita gave a very good answer, the best thing I could suggest is do a yahoo image search for vagina, and female anatomy. and it can give you an idea, but be aware not every female is exactly alike they comme in all shapes and size's so just like your result it would be unique to you and your anatomy something Dr. Chettawut says he focus's on each outcome is as individualist as the person he he doing the surgery on, but everything is in the proper place and it doesnt look like a chop shop special.

I am more than glad to help anyone who might have questions so feel free and I will do my best to answer. ;) and of course if ya wanna throw me some rep.................... ::)   ;D

Like I said when I started this topic my goal was the show other people what the experience was like and hopefully be of help.

Thank you so much for the reply. It has really helped to put my mind at ease. I look forward to hearing about all your progress. Thank you very much for sharing all this. 

-Wishing you all the best with your recovery and in life

Quote from: SurgeryCurious on April 08, 2013, 03:28:11 PM
Thank you so much for the reply. It has really helped to put my mind at ease. I look forward to hearing about all your progress. Thank you very much for sharing all this. 

-Wishing you all the best with your recovery and in life

Not a problem , and if you haveany other qustions just ask ;)

Quote from: TessaM on April 09, 2013, 02:00:24 PM
Hey Calico!
I was wondering if you had genital electrolysis prior to your surgery? I am scheduled for the 28th of May with Brassard and he recomends not getting ANY sort of electrolysis down there. Some girls ive spoken to have complained about hair regrowth though. I did ONE clearing session down there (2 hours maybe?) at the beggining of January. Most of the hair has grown back. I think I am just going to go into the surgery. I figure since I did some it will be ok. I am just wondering how you went about this.

No I did not have any electrolysis, primarily because of my own personal stigma about what was down there before.....  but you can always do it late if needed ;) from what I understand

Quote from: calico on April 09, 2013, 08:28:45 PM
No I did not have any electrolysis, primarily because of my own personal stigma about what was down there before.....  but you can always do it late if needed ;) from what I understand

No, she can't if she's going with Brassard. Chettawut/Supporn girls can, because it's a different technique.

I had 9 IPL sessions before I came. It was almost all gone. Way less painful than electro, too...and quicker!

Quote from: rachl on April 09, 2013, 08:54:35 PM
No, she can't if she's going with Brassard. Chettawut/Supporn girls can, because it's a different technique.

I had 9 IPL sessions before I came. It was almost all gone. Way less painful than electro, too...and quicker!

Could you elaborate a little more? Are you saying it's not possible to have hair removal post-op with Brassard, but it is possible with Chettawut/Supporn? If this is so, why would that be?

I cant answer your question Tesla, perhaps rachl will be able....

but on a different not finally went  to the #1 dialator today and well :icon_omfg: :icon_tears: :icon_cry2: hurt like a mofo.... wow i quite simply felt as though I was going to vommit... was not eexpecting that, but I am relieved it went...now i got to do it again as its that time  :-\ :'(

Quote from: calico on April 10, 2013, 05:27:50 AM
I cant answer your question Tesla, perhaps rachl will be able....

but on a different not finally went  to the #1 dialator today and well :icon_omfg: :icon_tears: :icon_cry2: hurt like a mofo.... wow i quite simply felt as though I was going to vommit... was not eexpecting that, but I am relieved it went...now i got to do it again as its that time  :-\ :'(

I really feel for you there. I think they need a #0.5 dilator. Are you on pain killers?

Quote from: Albina on April 10, 2013, 07:10:17 AM
Wow (about dilation)! It should work out with time and efforts, I guess.

Calico, please, can you tell if you had a tracheal shave too, and 12K is the price with it or it is just for SRS?
And if you did, does it hurt and did your voice have changed?
Thank you.

I had a trach shave with mine (went down yesterday). My throat's sore and it's harder to speak with my normal voice. Part of that's because of the intubation, though. It should be back to normal in another day or two.

My price was 385,000 THB for the two surgeries.

Quote from: Tesla on April 10, 2013, 04:42:38 AM
Could you elaborate a little more? Are you saying it's not possible to have hair removal post-op with Brassard, but it is possible with Chettawut/Supporn? If this is so, why would that be?

Brassard uses penile inversion, Chet/Suporn don't. It's because the techniques are different.

Yea I didnt have a trach shave (didnt need it ) ;D, 12k was just srs, and yes I have some real good pan killers but its still like   :icon_omfg:

The biggest problem with baht is the exchange rate changes daily so... one day 29 to 1 another 26 to 1

Quote from: rachl on April 10, 2013, 08:39:20 AM
Brassard uses penile inversion, Chet/Suporn don't. It's because the techniques are different.

Sorry to be so much of a pedant. I'm in the middle of deciding between Brassard and Chettawut and I'm researching every itty bitty detail. Knowing why the different techniques allows or prevents hair removal would be interesting to know.

I don't know about brassard, but chett removes the folicles so you really dont need to do electo, he also said something to me that it also shrinks the scrotal tissue. He recomend only electro on the perinium. and said that electro can be done after surgery if desired.

I would prob email brassard with the question for better understanding, but IMO penile inversion may bethe way it was used to be done but there are better ways/results using the non-inversion technique.

Quote from: calico on April 10, 2013, 11:05:13 AM
I don't know about brassard, but chett removes the folicles so you really dont need to do electo, he also said something to me that it also shrinks the scrotal tissue. He recomend only electro on the perinium. and said that electro can be done after surgery if desired.

I would prob email brassard with the question for better understanding, but IMO penile inversion may bethe way it was used to be done but there are better ways/results using the non-inversion technique.

Non-inversion may be better for me, but I'm not sure. Being on HRT since 1994 and having been circumcised leaves a little less material than normal. I may go with the surgeon who thinks they can give me the greatest depth without resorting to colon or abdominal grafts.

Quote from: Albina on April 10, 2013, 11:20:39 AM
That is good that you didn't need it. I have mine very small, don't even need to hide it - it is not noticable. ..So, the SRS price went higher from 10K, which was not so long ago. I see. Thank you, Calico!

Yes it may have its on his site for 327,000 baht which at a exchange ratio of 27 to 1 which is where it is right now is 12,112.00 USD, when I got mine it was a lil better than 28 to 1 which made it 11,678.57USD and I think coinmill reads something like 29.sumthin to 1, but you cant trust coinmill. The thai baht is like the stock markert its always going up and down, and when you are here keep a calculator so you know whats a good deal or not I almost bought a dress tonight and I stopped and it turned out to be like 60 buck's.

If you have been on hormones for a bit or dont have much to work with I recomend, non-inversion as length doesnt matter so-much., If you have had an orchi however be ready for skin grafts.

Calico, Did you use the Western Union office In the seacon centre they have better Exchange rates than the main banks I think it is on the third floor very Helpful better than the Banks.

Babz

Well that price is off putting as there is no way I will be able to get that kind of money in my life time short of winning the lottery.

Calico, I'm guessing you've been on hrt for some time too. Did you think you've shrank much in the department? I can't remember anymore myself. I think I shrank a little bit in the first few years and then it tapered off. I make sure it's never redundant for more than a week to help prevent shrinkage.

After all those years, they still managed to give you 6". That's really good to know.

Quote from: Tesla on April 10, 2013, 05:45:57 PM
Calico, I'm guessing you've been on hrt for some time too. Did you think you've shrank much in the department? I can't remember anymore myself. I think I shrank a little bit in the first few years and then it tapered off. I make sure it's never redundant for more than a week to help prevent shrinkage.

After all those years, they still managed to give you 6". That's really good to know.

Yes I have been on hrt for several years.... mm bout 10, I figure yes it shrank but it was something that I didnt try to do anything to stop it,as the way I felt I didnt want anything to do with it.

Emerald- the cost may seem high intially but all it takkes is some carefull planing and the mindset that you will get it, that way you can acomplish anything.

Quote from: calico on April 10, 2013, 08:36:34 PM
the cost may seem high intially but all it takkes is some carefull planing and the mindset that you will get it, that way you can acomplish anything.

Yes I agree, everything is a determination and the right mind set. There is nothing you can not get if you really want it.

Unless you are physically and mainly mentally unable to work and your only source of income is a disability pension which leaves you at best 400 a fortnight to yourself.

Calico, how are you feeling? I'm curious about the weather in Thailand at this time of year. Considering I can't stand heat and humidity, personally, I think this time of the year is the best time.

I am doing ok, sorry for not updating, I unfortunately have been a lil sick the last couple day's (nothing related to the surgery) ;) ..
I am still recovering, but am soon to head back to the usa in a couple days so I am packing and getting ready to return, I will miss this place and the people I have met, and of course the Dr. and his staff, especially Sri as she took care of me very well and well ... :'( yea.. not gonna get into that to much dont want to turn into an emotional mess,but I am sure everyone understands, and I am sure she feels the same way as we both ended up tearing up as we said our good-byes.

As for an update of my surgery and condition, a few days ago I was able to goup to the #1 dialator finally, I was using the makeshift 0 for a short time however I am no longer using that thing and it is in the trash now :) , I havent really had any healing issues or any problems related to the surgery I did pop a stitch a while back basically because of a bathroom malfunction (straining while take a #2) but it turned out ok so.... I know not to do that again  :-\

I will update again before I leave and when I return... but fer now thats all folks!!!!

great as if having to becareful of zit pops now we transwomen have to deal with stitches popping, oh thats just great. Just want to say calico, congrats been watching your thread for awhile, my surgery in thailand is still about a year away, but its cool to learn things and see how girls are handling before i make that ride.

madison-thank you and I am glad this thread can help you ;)

Since its pretty close to leaving time for me I am going to list some note for reference.

1. The hotel I used was the bangkok srinakarin princess. power here is 220, however this hotel will actually allow you to borrow a power converter, which I did not know till i got here.
2. you can request extra pillows if the need arises I got 6
3. Not everything in tesco lotus is marked in english, tops super as far as I could see was
4. being close to seacon square give a huge advantage there is tons of food, and 2 supermarkets, and clothing out the wazoo
5. dont be afraid of being alone you wont, I met 8 other girls here at various stages in there life.

and if I remember anything else I will of course add it later :)

And as of today, I am on number 2 dialator.

Went to my dr today to get a script for my hormones and also an exam, to see about my healing, and well she was very impressed for someone who was just out of surgery 2 weeks ago, she said if it wasnt for the stitchs she coudn't of  told the difference and that I have nothing to worry about.  This of course made my day  :laugh:

on another note when I was dropped of I was dropped off by Dr chettawut's driver,he pretty much just dropped me off at the front of the airport and left me to take care of my self, this is something I didnt care for..... I was orignally picked up by jul, which was one of the dr's nurse's..  and they were very nice to me.

So far its been one heck of an experience. I am very satisfied at this point. now I just got to keep  up with the dialations..... ::)

Great, Great news. That is all fantastic. You will be getting better with every day and in a few months you will forget about the surgery. I was also on my own in Thailand for the surgery and I had a fantastic experience with Dr Chettawut.

Quote from: calico on April 18, 2013, 07:25:47 PM
Went to my dr today to get a script for my hormones and also an exam, to see about my healing, and well she was very impressed for someone who was just out of surgery 2 weeks ago, she said if it wasnt for the stitchs she coudn't of  told the difference and that I have nothing to worry about.  This of course made my day  :laugh:

on another note when I was dropped of I was dropped off by Dr chettawut's driver,he pretty much just dropped me off at the front of the airport and left me to take care of my self, this is something I didnt care for..... I was orignally picked up by jul, which was one of the dr's nurse's..  and they were very nice to me.

So far its been one heck of an experience. I am very satisfied at this point. now I just got to keep  up with the dialations..... ::)

Calico, that's fantastic news. How was the plane journey back? How long between your last dilation in Thailand and back home? Any pain resulting from that? Thanks!

Quote from: Tesla on April 19, 2013, 04:59:30 AM
Calico, that's fantastic news. How was the plane journey back? How long between your last dilation in Thailand and back home? Any pain resulting from that? Thanks!

plane trip was 22 hours, and I had very little to minor pain when I resumed dialation. So overall it wasnt that bad.

Well I am curently 1 month post-op and figured I would update since I havent visited this topic.
healing is continuing, and I now have less visible stitch's and now I am starting to see how things are, and they do look good! :)
swelling hasnt been bad neither has bleeding, tonight I will be trying to go to the #3 dilator as I have been using #2 with very little pain. So far all is well.
on a note the flight back didnt seem badbut upon return the lag really messed with me... :-\

Congratulations on making it back and passing the one month hump

How many sessions with a psychiatrist and psychologist
To get your papers?

Quote from: XchristineX on April 28, 2013, 12:17:25 PM
How many sessions with a psychiatrist and psychologist
To get your papers?

Well... this sorta a complicated answer so I will do my best to answer, the very first letter was given to me I think 6 months after my first visit, I was seeing her 4 times a month, but she was just an lpc, so when it came time for surgery I had to get another letter. and well I had been on hormones for a while and been already living as who i am for  a while (12 years.) so when I went to see the new psychologist, she was completely unaware I was transgendered and wa very shocked when I told her :P that session last 1.5 hours and I had a letter, the second qualified letter came from a thai psychiatrist after I got over there, it last 45 minutes for that one.

I have decided to go ahead and do a 3.5 month update, for those wanting to know how everything has been.

well at about a week past the 3 month point I decided to celebrate by having a lil fun ... yes folks I am no longer a virgin :P , I will be honest about the experience. It was nnot as I expected, and a real live man is nothing like a dilator, it hurt signifigantly for the first 10-15 minutes but then it was awesome, and I have done it again and agin at this point. and well I wont go in to details but ..  everything to me is now great.

Healing is for the most part done, I am still dilating, and because of my job it has been at times a lil random, but it seems to not had an effect on my depth, or progress of course it could also be because I have been very sexually active lol.

On dilating.... well I am going to say this dilating for the past month has not been an issue, I will say if anyone goes to doc chettawut do yourself a favor and purchase a set of soulsource dilators, as the one provided are junk, but they are adequate I suppose  :-\
also at this point in dilation I think I have done it all....
I have dilated standing, and showering, and showering and shaving my legs  :o yes I am very talented and no it doesn't hurt (me anyway) and the reason for trying it out in the first place well, first time, and second my bf was here (he isn't aware I'm tg).
so that is how I am doing at 3.5 months post op...   ;D

Yay! I'm glad your doing so well my sister. :)

Getting a real guy to replace your dilator?? ???  What an idea, could you send any extra's my way?   ;D